I actually don’t think it is that big an issue. I think Parker is great but I do think that we need to give Sandro a chance. He has looked good when he has come on and is better on the ball than Parker. Would be great to see him take the position and make it his own for a number of years to come.

A run in the side will do Sandro no harm whatsoever, playing well for Brazil so no reason he should not do the same for us, could do with signing a few of his team-mates Damiao in particular and what about that Ganso?! COYS

I am actually delighted by this news (without seeming sadistic) because Sandro is by far the better player and should start ahead of Parker, so this just gives him a chance to prove that he deserves a first team spot.

Of course it’s a blow. People forget how influential Parker was last season. Not only in his play, but his ability to get the team going. Either way, I can’t see this affecting Sandro as I think both players will make the starting 11.

Why would you want AVB to have LESS of our best players to choose from? Surely a better scenario would be to have BOTH Parker and Sandro available. It is clear that Harry preferred Parker, but Harry ain’t here remember! AVB may well have played Sandro instead regardless. So for that reason it is a huge blow, although perhaps he will only miss the first 3 weeks…..and there is usually an early international break…..so he probably would not miss too many games. However, he misses pre-season HUGE BLOW, he will have to gain match fitness and acclimatize to new system during EPL matches – HUGE BLOW. Come on guys, think outside the box. There is NO positive in this. Parker is still the better player because he is proven, and Sandro has only the end of 2 seasons in EPL as proof.

If you are talking about facts, then it is a fact that Huddlestone anchored our midfield in our best ever Premiership season – at the age of 22-23, playing 33 games out of 38. That proves that he is capable.